This blog was originally set-up for the Tri-State Genealogical Society. Under the new leadership, this blog and the original web site are no longer officially recognized by the society; however, it is continuing to be maintained by its creator, John G. West.

TSGS Cruiser Blog

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Tombstone Thursday - Mrs. Matilda E. Baker

(click on images to enlarge)

Mrs. Matilda E. Baker

First wife of Governor Conrad Baker

03 Mar 1818 - 04 Nov 1855

Section 12, Lot 50, Grave 5

Oak Hill Cemetery, Evansville, Indiana

Note that of the three white grave markers in the foreground, the one is different in two ways: shape & style is different and the inscriptions face in different directions. I have yet to see another marker with the title of "Mrs." on it. To me, this is very unusual. We have discovered that this is her footstone. According to the cemetery burial record (online) she died on 04 Nov 1855 (37 years, 8 months & 1 day).

These are facing East with the one on the left being for Louisa Matilda Baker Section 12 Lot 49 Grave 8. She was 31 years old at the time of her death on 25 Jun 1875. Her burial record states that she died in Indianapolis, Indiana. The grave on the right is almost completely unreadable; however, I believe this is the grave of Mary Baker Section 12 Lot 50 Grave 4 which should place this grave adjacent to Mrs. Matilda E. Baker. Mary Baker was 35 years old at the time of her death in Mar 1884.

- Submitted by JGWestPhotos taken by JGWest

[Tombstone Thursday is dedicated in memory of Donald G. West 1952-2000]

3 comments:

Pinkston Gregory III
said...

Mr. West, you got a great photo of the first Mrs. Conrad Baker. She is listed on the large Baker Monument with Evansville Mayor William Baker & wife Nancy on the south side and Indiana Governor Conrad Baker with his two wives Matilda & Charlotte on the north side. Your photo is actually the footstone of her grave and is identified on the back side as being the grave of Mrs. Matilda E. Baker.

I enjoy reading your blogs, you have a lot of variety. I come on about once every 7 to 10 days and print out back to the last one and then read them during breaks where I work. I love history and do not do the family stuff.

Everyone, I finally got over to Oak Hill during my lunch break (I thought about stopping by on the way to work this morning, but it was just too cold!) to take that photo of the Conrad Baker monument with Matilda E. Baker on it. So, Mr. Gregory is right, the tall whitle marker is actually a footstone. Has anybody ever found a footstone that tall or big before? And, while I am asking has anyone ever discovered any type of marker with the title of "Mrs." on it?

TSGS Cruiser Blog

Welcome to the TSGS Cruiser Blog!

Hello, my name is John G. West, TSGS first official blogger! You can make me look good by submitting some articles, stories, photos, etc. that somehow relate to genealogy. Maybe some research tips or interesting research stories. I will have to edit what is submitted to make sure the content is appropriate & is not too long. Please avoid submitting genealogical queries (there are better places to post them); however, I will consider interesting, intriguing mysteries or stories. I will only publish one article on any one day.

We will add some short notes and comments under titles like: Staying Afloat in the Gene Pool - Genetic DNA News; Racing Down the River - Brief Genealogical Notes; Navigating Along the River - Research Tips.